She's understandably

"I don't think I can, Master Merthin." Christine's arms curled protectively around her torso, hiding her breasts from the merchant's hungry gaze. "I appreciate everything you've done for me and Erik, but I'm not ... I don't think I could ..." Her head hangs in shame unable to even speak about what has been asked of her.

Merthin smiled in anticipation. A man with less refined tastes or less patience might be angered by this timid refusal, but to his mind Christine's answer only confirmed that she is indeed as chaste and innocent as he hoped. To have the sweet daughter of Batholomew Gerard lay back and spread her legs without a fight would be a disappointment.

"Sshhh, Lady Christine," Merthin settled on the bed by the young noblewoman and took her gently in his arms. "I know you must have suffered terribly in Bishop Anthryl private chambers." Christine's shudder confirmed what Merthin already suspected. He had, after all, found her naked and chained in the bishop's personal dungeon. "You can tell me, my Dear, I know the man's depraved tastes."

"He touched me." Christine tried to take advantage of Merthin's unexpected sympathy to explain why she can't accept his offer. "Touched me in ways that no man other than a husband should ever touch a woman."

"Is that all you had to endure?" Merthin touches Christine's hand softly. "I have heard that more than one young woman has left that cathedral with blood on her thighs and a hitch in her gait."

Honestly, Merthin did not care all that much about that elastic membrane that was proof of this young woman's virtue. His sources reported that Prince Henry spent the entire night in Christine's chambers, if true, then Bishop Anthryl must have been disappointed by what he found under her skirts. Far more important to the wealthy notary than whether or not a girl has a bloody thigh when she is first bedded is the determined pride and indomitable resilience exhibited by this hapless young woman.

"No, Master Merthin." Christine did not pull her hand away, instead she met his gaze nervously. "I am still a maid. That's why I cannot offer myself to you ..."